Hundreds if not thousands of land tax scofflaws are expected to benefit from an Amnesty programme officially launched today by the Ministry of Natural Resources. And while Amnesty sounds like a total reprieve from tax obligations to the Ministry, the devil is in the details. Communications Director, Gaspar Luna explained to Seven News, the benefits to be derived from signing on to the programme.
Gaspar Luna, Communications Officer - Ministry of Nat. Resources
"The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment along with the land and surveys department is launching as a implementation as partial remission of a land tax program today 2nd December. This program is design to afford land owners with arrears the opportunity to settle their outstanding land tax areas over a six month period which was effective the 15th of November up to 2010 up to the 14th of May 2011. What this program will focus on and afford - the people will have 25% reduction of tax arrears up to fiscal year 2009-2010 and also a waiver of interest accrued inclusive of any finances of non-payment up to fiscal year 2009-2010."
Jim McFadzean
"Mr. Luna, do have any idea how many people this amnesty program will affect?"
Gaspar Luna, Communications Officer - Ministry of Nat. Resources
"Well I guess the specific numbers - we don't have the specific numbers but from the mere fact that we thought is important to go back and create this program to benefit our Belizean people especially in this time of economic recession."
Persons interested in participating in the Land Tax Amnesty Programme will be required to enter into a written contractual arrangement and will have to pay the balance of outstanding taxes IN Full before the expiration of the Land Tax amnesty period.
